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Updated: Jan 17, 2008 8:30 AM

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The Writer Strike - Writers v.s the Film Companies

As the strike continues, I find myself asking how much of the strike was worth the little guys losing their jobs. The media(at least from what I have seen) have not covered the negative effects the strike caused janitors and other non-writers who have lost their jobs. Now, I support the writers right to strike and I support the companies rights to make a profit Without trying to take the writers for a ride. Of course, the writers are treated very poorly in Hollywood when it comes to pay especially, Maybe if the studios had had more respect for the writers, this would not have happened.

However, maybe the writers should have formed a plan with the union to show the studios they mean business without hurting other employees in the process. Mahtma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr did not hurt the rights of people that did not deserve it with their civil disobedience.

I don't have an answer for the problem of mistreating writers other than: DON'T!! So, in an effort to help the writers, the other little guys, and get my favorite TV shows back on, I am opening up the blog to any solutions no matter how outrageous to be sent to me. I'll post as many as I can.

P.S - No, I don't work for a studio. I am simply a freelance script consultant

Tags: strike solution, studio, writers strike

Jan 17, 2008 8:30 AM | Link | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Report Content

What to do regarding the current Writers' strike

NEW! 11/08/07.

With the current strike taking place, now would be a great opportunity to polish scripts you've been putting off or even write new ones. The idea is to keep yourself busy without breaking any rules or losing your mind waiting for work.

After polishing your scripts, write a new one. Or take a class. Or write a short story and submit it for publication. Yes, I know that there is no money in that, but good writers keep on practicing their crafts even during these tough times. You never know what is going to sell later.

Alright, I'll get off the podium now. Now stop reading and go do what you do best: Write a PROFESSIONAL script!

Nov 8, 2007 12:29 PM | Link | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Report Content

How to Write a Professional Script and Avoid the Most Common Mistake Writers Make

NEW! 10/15/07.

This tip is not going to be a long one. In fact it will be short. Why? Because like scriptwriting, "less is more." When writing action in scripts, write "The man catapults himself over the fence." NOT "The man is jumping over the fence." Logically, which one sounds better to you? Pick up a NON-SHOOTING script off the ones on the internet and read how they write their sentences. First copy them, then, after a while, you will have your own way of writing, while still using strong verbs such as "catapults" instead of the very weak and boring "is jumping."

Told you it was going to be very short. Now stop reading and go do what you do best: Write a PROFESSIONAL script!

Oct 15, 2007 6:46 PM | Link | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Report Content

How To Get Noticed as a Screenwriter

Screenwriters often get discouraged when their work is not noticed. Here is my take on this: If you can't get through the front door, then find a way through the back door. What does this mean? In other words, you need to get creative on how to get your scripts noticed. Two excellent ways to get your scripts noticed is to make it yourself in the form of a 30-45 second trailer or work on student films.

A 30-45 second trailer that sums up the film forces you to think in terms of a very quick pitch. Producers want to have an idea of what the film might look like before seeking funding. Think of what makes you enjoy the movie trailers in theaters, and make one -- even if it is shot in HD.

The second option is to work on student films. What can that do for me you ask? You will make contacts with students that are hungry to advance in the film business. Those friendships are invaluable because you now know them while they are at the bottom of the ladder. Maybe they have a rich uncle who will finance your films?

There are many more ways to get your scripts noticed by seeking ways to enter through the back door. The sky is the limit. These two ideas are just enough to get you started. If you do all this, you should be ahead of the pack. Now stop reading and go do what you do best: Write!

Oct 7, 2007 6:55 AM | Link | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Report Content

Writing for the Purpose of Having Your Screenplay REJECTED

"Wait a minute, you say. Why would I spend hours of writing, tweaking, and toiling away on a keyboard(as your family wonders what they did to cause you to spend less time with them)for the purpose of having my screenplay rejected? The truth of the matter is that from my experience, that is exactly how a good chunk of writers write. Maybe they do not realize that. Two problems cause writers to come across in this manner. They are as follows: rushing out their script without having rewritten it MANY times, and sending it without bothering to make it look professional.

The first problem is that writers rush out their scripts without having rewritten it MANY times in an effort to make themselves feel like they are doing something. Instead of doing that, distract yourself by watching movies, hobbies, or find something meaningful in life to focus on in your off hours. Read your script as if it was the biggest piece of garbage that you have ever read. Be brutal. Critique every little thing that bothers you. Rewrite it to the best of your ability and pick three script consultants that are good. Inktip is a great source for this(shameless advertising although I do not run their site). Mull over feedback from each individual consultant. Do not make changes to the script until you have stopped swearing at the script consultant after getting off the phone with her:) Then wait a week, and using your best judgement as to what rings true, make changes. Repeat with each consultant.

The second problem is that writers send their script without bothering to make it look professional. This is the easiest part. The script should be on 8 1/2 by 11 3-hole paper with a card stock on the front and one on the back. Two brads. One in each hole. Do not send binders or clamped copies unless you want them to sit in the unprofessional pile as they eventually take up space -- and end up in the trash. Sorry, I do not make the rules. Anything else not mentioned here is not a common problem that I have encountered often.

In conclusion, aww -- what the heck. I will shorten this. Rewrite the script many times using consultation AND make the script look professional. Now stop reading and go do what you do best: Write!

Sep 25, 2007 10:09 AM | Link | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Report Content

Writing for the purpose of submission to screenwriting contests:

NEW! 09/18/07. Without further adieu, here they are:

Having read various scripts from several contests, I have come to realize something that many writers do not understand. That is that contest winners depend on who is doing the reading, and who the past contest winners are.

Judges have individual tastes so "imdb" the judges backgrounds and figure out the pattern of the type of films they are involved in. Chances are if your film does not fit into that category, that is one strike against you.

Look at the genres or types of stories that have won in the past for that particular contest. If your script, does not fit into those categories, submit to other contests. For example, I am of the opinion that the top favorite types of stories that tend to place in Nicholls are ones that are emotionally impactful in the drama sense. However, keep in mind that this still varies by who the judges are over the years.

In conclusion, there is no iron-clad method for figuring out if your script would place in a contest. However, just as in securities investments, one should read annual company reports, look for trends, and research the stock to mimize risk, screenwriters would be wise to consider doing the same with their scripts.

If you do all this, you should be ahead of the pack. Now stop reading and go do what you do best: Write!

Sep 18, 2007 7:41 AM | Link | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Report Content

Brand New Writing Tips

Hi everyone,

If like free tips to be short and sweet, check out my weekly writing tips at www.thescriptarchitect.com The tips were just updated!

Best Regards,

Sammy Montana

Aug 10, 2007 11:54 AM | Link | Comments (1) | Add Comment | Report Content